Plumber in Colorado Springs, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

If you’re a plumber looking at Colorado Springs, you’re looking at a market that’s stable, growing, and paying fairly, but it’s not the highest-paying city in the state. Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re planning a move.

The median salary for a plumber in Colorado Springs is $62,855/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.22. This is a solid figure. It’s slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but the difference is negligible—less than 1%. Where you really feel the value is in the local context: the cost of living here is about 2.6% below the national average (Index: 97.4). That $62,855 goes a little further here than it would in a city with a median salary of $63,350 but a cost-of-living index of 105. There are 977 plumber jobs in the metro area, which shows a healthy, competitive market. For the long view, the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is on par with the national average for skilled trades. It’s not a boom, but it’s a steady, reliable climb.

To give you a clearer picture of how salary breaks down by experience, here’s a realistic table based on local market data and industry standards. This is more nuanced than just a single median figure.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Colorado Springs)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Apprentice, Service Helper	$42,000 - $52,000	Assisting journeymen, basic prep, tool handling, learning code.
Mid-Level	Journeyman Plumber	$58,000 - $72,000	Running service calls, rough-in work, fixture installations, permitting.
Senior-Level	Lead Plumber, Foreman	$75,000 - $90,000	Project management, complex installs (commercial), mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Specialist	Master Plumber, Business Owner	$95,000+	Design, large-scale commercial projects, business operations.

Comparing to other Colorado cities, Colorado Springs sits in the middle. Denver metro salaries are typically 5-10% higher (median around $67,000), but Denver’s cost of living is ~20% above the U.S. average, which erases that advantage. Boulder’s median is closer to $70,000, but the housing costs are astronomical. Fort Collins is similar to Colorado Springs in both salary and cost of living. Pueblo, to the south, has a lower median salary (around $58,000) and a significantly lower cost of living. For a plumber who wants a balance of good pay, manageable costs, and a strong job market, Colorado Springs is arguably the sweet spot in the state.

Insider Tip: The $62,855 median is most representative of a licensed journeyman working for a mid-sized residential or commercial firm. If you specialize in high-end custom homes in the Broadmoor area or tackle complex commercial work for a company like G.E. Johnson, you can push well above that median. Conversely, if you’re only doing basic service work for a small shop, you might start closer to the entry-level range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary is one thing; your monthly budget is another. Let’s run the numbers for a plumber earning the median salary of $62,855. This is a practical breakdown to see what life actually looks like.

Assumptions for Calculation:

• Gross Annual Income: $62,855
• Federal & State Taxes (Est.): ~22% (This is a blended estimate for CO; it varies by deductions).
• Monthly Take-Home Pay (Post-Tax): Approximately $4,065/month.
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,408/month (This is the city-wide average).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,408	You can find cheaper ($1,100-$1,200) in areas like Security-Widefield or older parts of the city.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; heating costs can spike in winter.
Car Payment + Insurance	$450	Critical in Colorado Springs. Public transit is limited.
Fuel	$150	Commuting from suburbs adds up.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Health Insurance	$250	Premium varies by employer plan.
Retirement/401(k)	$300	Highly recommended, especially if employer matches.
Misc. (Clothing, Entertain., etc.)	$300	A buffer for life.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,458
Monthly Surplus	$607

This leaves you with a ~$600/month surplus. This is manageable but tight. You won’t be living lavishly, but you can certainly live comfortably, save for retirement, and have a social life. The key is keeping rent in check.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. As of early 2024, the median home price in Colorado Springs is approximately $425,000. For a single plumber earning $62,855, this is a stretch on a conventional 20% down payment. However, it’s not impossible with the right strategy:

• VA Loan: Colorado Springs has a massive military presence (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB). If you are a veteran or active-duty, a VA loan with 0% down is a game-changer.
• FHA Loan: Allows for a lower down payment (3.5%), but you’ll have PMI.
• Dual Income: Buying is far more feasible with a partner’s income.
• Starting Smaller: Condos/townhomes in the $250k-$300k range are more accessible. Look in neighborhoods like Cimarron Hills or Windsor Park.

Insider Tip: The rent-to-income ratio here is about 21% (1,408 / 4,065), which is healthy (the standard is under 30%). This gives you breathing room. If you can keep your rent under $1,300, your surplus jumps to over $700/month, making home savings more aggressive.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

Colorado Springs’ job market for plumbers is driven by its unique mix of military, tech, and healthcare sectors. The demand is consistent for both residential service and commercial construction. Here are the major players you should have on your radar:

1. G.E. Johnson Construction Company: This is a Colorado-owned giant. They handle massive commercial and industrial projects. You’ll find work here if you’re interested in large-scale commercial plumbing, medical gas systems, and complex industrial builds. They often recruit from local trade schools and value experience in commercial blueprints.
2. Classic Services / R&R Plumbing: These are large, established local residential and commercial service companies. They’re always looking for licensed journeymen for service, repair, and new installation. They offer steady work, benefits, and a clear path to leadership. Hiring is active, especially in the spring and summer.
3. United Mechanical: A major player in the mechanical (HVAC/plumbing) space, often working on large institutional projects for hospitals, schools, and government buildings. This is a great spot to get into union-affiliated work and complex systems.
4. Hospitals & Large Institutions: Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central are perpetual employers. They have in-house maintenance teams that require plumbers with specific knowledge of medical gas (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) and high-pressure systems. These are stable, union jobs with excellent benefits.
5. Fort Carson & Peterson SFB: The military bases are huge employers, both directly (civilian positions) and through contractors. Base housing and facilities maintenance create constant demand. Insider Tip: Getting a security clearance can open doors to more lucrative, stable government-contractor jobs.
6. Local Municipalities: Colorado Springs Utilities and the City of Colorado Springs (Public Works) hire plumbers for water/wastewater treatment, city infrastructure maintenance, and fleet maintenance. These are public sector jobs with fantastic pensions and job security.
7. High-End Residential Builders: Companies like Larkspur Design + Build or Rocky Mountain Custom Builders specialize in luxury homes in areas like the Broadmoor or Flying Horse. If you have finish work and custom installation skills, this is a niche that pays top dollar.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady. The biggest hiring push is in the spring (March-May) as construction ramps up. Commercial projects (driven by the military and healthcare expansion) are consistent year-round. There’s a notable shortage of experienced service plumbers here, so if you have 5+ years of experience and a clean driving record, you’re in high demand.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has a clear but strict licensing path. You cannot work as a plumber without proper certification. The process is overseen by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete 4,800 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber and 288 hours of classroom instruction. This is typically done through an Apprenticeship Program (like those offered by the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 208 union or non-union shops).
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the state journeyman exam (based on the International Plumbing Code). The exam fee is approximately $160. You must also pass a business and law exam.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires at least two years as a licensed journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. This is necessary if you want to own your own business, pull permits, and supervise others.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Often paid for by your employer or union, but you pay for books/supplies (~$500-$1,000 total).
• Total Licensing Fees: From apprentice to journeyman, expect to spend $300-$500 in exam and application fees.
• Timeline: It’s a 4 to 5-year commitment from starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed journeyman. You can earn while you learn, but the time investment is significant.

Colorado-Specifics: Colorado adopts the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with state amendments. The climate here—with freeze-thaw cycles and hard water—adds specific challenges you’ll learn about in your training. If you’re moving from another state, Colorado has reciprocity agreements with several states (including Utah and Arizona), but you’ll still need to apply and may need to take the Colorado business/law exam.

Insider Tip: Join the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 208. Their apprenticeship is top-notch, pays well, and provides a direct pipeline to high-paying union jobs. Even if you go non-union, their training standards set the bar for the region.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your budget, and your lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods that make sense for a working plumber, balancing rent, commute, and amenities.

1. Downtown/Old Colorado City (West Side):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, vibrant with breweries and restaurants. Older homes (lots of repair/remodel work).
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most job sites downtown or in the central/north parts of the city.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR apartment or older unit.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want an urban lifestyle and shorter commutes. You might find side work in the many older homes here.

2. Southeast (Security-Widefield, Fountain):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, more affordable. This area is heavily influenced by the military bases (Fort Carson is right there).
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most job sites. Traffic is minimal.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR apartment or small house.
   • Best For: Plumbers who prioritize budget and want more space. A huge portion of the plumbing workforce lives here.

3. Northgate (Near I-25 & Briargate):

   • Vibe: Newer, master-planned community. Modern apartments and townhomes. Close to the United States Air Force Academy and new commercial developments.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to the north side of the city. Can be 30+ minutes to the south side during rush hour.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a modern 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Plumbers who work for commercial firms on the north side (like G.E. Johnson projects) or want newer amenities.

4. Central (Near UCCS & Memorial Park):

   • Vibe: A mix of older homes and new apartments. Close to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and major hospitals. Good access to parks and trails.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes city-wide.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers who work in healthcare facilities or want a central location with a mix of neighborhoods.

5. East (Powers Corridor):

   • Vibe: Rapidly growing, big-box retail, chain restaurants. A lot of new construction, which means work for plumbers.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to downtown. Traffic on Powers can be heavy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want to be close to new residential and commercial job sites. You can often find gigs with the builders in your own backyard.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Colorado Springs isn’t just a job; it’s a career with multiple upward paths. The 6% 10-year growth is a foundation, but your specialty determines your ceiling.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: This is a gold standard. Hospitals and labs pay a 10-15% premium for plumbers certified in installing and maintaining medical gas systems. The training is specific and costs a few hundred dollars, but it’s a massive ROI.
• Commercial/Industrial: Plumbers who can read complex blueprints, work with large-diameter pipe, and understand industrial codes will always out-earn their residential-only peers. Expect a 15-20% premium over the median.
• Service & Sales: The best service plumbers can diagnose issues quickly and upsell solutions. Top performers at major service companies often move into commission-based sales roles, where earnings can exceed $90,000/year.
• Business Ownership: The ultimate path. A licensed Master Plumber can open their own shop. The startup costs are significant (trucks, tools, insurance), but successful small shops in Colorado Springs can clear $150,000+ in owner income after a few years.

Advancement Path:

1. Apprentice → Journeyman: The first 5 years. Focus on mastering all aspects of the trade.
2. Journeyman → Lead/Specialist (Years 5-10): Choose a lane (service, commercial, new construction) and get certified. Start mentoring apprentices.
3. Lead → Management/Owner (Year 10+): Move into project management, start your own business, or become a master plumber for a large firm.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The military’s continued presence, healthcare expansion, and steady residential growth (especially in the Banning Lewis Ranch area) ensure a pipeline of work. The trend is toward more complex systems—water-efficient fixtures, advanced water treatment, and smart home integration—which favor skilled, knowledgeable plumbers. The biggest risk is a large-scale economic downturn, which would slow new construction, but service and repair work would remain stable.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

The decision comes down to your priorities. Here’s a direct table of pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market: 977 jobs, 6% growth. Military and healthcare provide a recession-resistant base.	Not the Highest Paying: Salaries are slightly below national average and Denver.
Manageable Cost of Living: Your $62,855 goes further here than in Denver or Boulder.	Housing is Becoming Expensive: The median home